A FOUR-VEHICLE crash on the A12 has caused traffic tailbacks into Colchester town centre.

The crash happened on the southbound stretch of road between Stanway (junction 26) and Marks Tey (junction 25) around 7am.

An Essex Police spokesman has said it is not clear at this stage if anyone is seriously injured.

A silver Audi A3, a grey Mitsubishi pick-up truck, a black Audi A4 and a white Vauxhall van are involved.

Motorists are being urged to avoid the area.

Although both lanes of the carraigeway are open, traffic is tailing back to Stratford St Mary (junction 30) and motorists are using Colchester town centre as a diversion.

Mill Road and Brinkley Grove Road are particularly busy.